21.06.12
BMA strike is ‘pointless’, health secretary argues
The health secretary Andrew Lansley has labelled the doctors’ strike today “pointless”, and reiterated that taxpayers currently subsidise 80% of their pensions.
Members of the BMA are taking industrial action today in opposition to changes to their pensions that would see the retirement age rise, as well as greater contributions for the same final sum.
Lansley told the NHS Confederation yesterday: “The strike is pointless. It will achieve nothing. All the BMA is doing is creating uncertainty, discomfort and difficulty for patients, most of whom could only dream of getting a pensions like theirs.
“The current estimated cost of paying pension benefits to doctors is about £83bn. Of that, around three-quarters, or £67bn, is likely to have come from the taxpayer.”
But BMA’s chief Dr Hamish Meldrum responded: “For the thousands of ordinary doctors who will be taking action… – the first in almost 40 years – it will sadly confirm that he is simply unable and unwilling to listen to the genuine concerns of NHS staff. This is not good for doctors, the Government or, most importantly of all, for patients and the NHS.
“The scheme is currently bringing in more than it is paying out, removing any justification for the immediate hike in contributions that has been imposed.”
Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers commented: “It is hugely disappointing that the NHS and its patients are facing this day of industrial action. We are deeply concerned about the distress it will cause patients, as well as the anxiety it will cause to many of our staff who want to ensure their patients are not put at risk.”
But he added: “No one should lose sight of the importance that good relationships make to achieving this. We need to keep our collective focus on returning to constructive and trusting working relationships as soon as possible.”
Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, highlighted that patient safety should remain the primary priority and said: “Good relations between all the constituent parts of the NHS are crucial to its success. It is important that strong feelings about pensions do not spill over into the longer term.”
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Image c. Department of Health